New Jersey officials, led by Governor Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, filed a federal lawsuit to block ICE and DHS from converting a vacant 470,000-square-foot Roxbury warehouse into a detention facility for up to 1,500 detainees.

The suit argues the plan would overstress water, sewage, and road infrastructure, threaten local water resources near Lake Musconetcong and Lake Hopatcong, and could divert emergency resources or displace housing.

Officials contend the purchase and conversion were rushed without adequate environmental review or consultation with local authorities, potentially violating the National Environmental Policy Act and other federal laws.

The administration says environmental factors and potential impacts on protected species and cultural resources were considered when evaluating facility options.

Environmental and health concerns cited include strain on sewage systems and limited healthcare capacity; the suit claims the project would violate NEPA and the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The case sits within broader debates over state and local authority to resist federal detention plans and the requirements for environmental review and intergovernmental coordination.

Reporting notes prior letters criticizing the project and references to DHS leadership and immigration policy in national discourse.

New Jersey argues the DHS plan would burden Highlands water and sewer systems, degrade local utilities, and harm growth and tax revenue by moving up to 1,000 staff into the area.

DHS has argued facilities would meet detention standards and undergo community impact studies and due-diligence reviews before purchase.

Officials emphasize up to 1,500 detainees and 1,000 staff would strain water, sewage, and traffic infrastructure and could have economic repercussions for Roxbury and New Jersey.

Specific concerns include potential impacts on Lake Musconetcong and Lake Hopatcong, water withdrawals in the Highlands, increased traffic, and an estimated loss of about $1.8 million in annual tax revenue.

ICE defended the sale, saying environmental considerations were evaluated and the plan aims to enhance national safety while complying with review processes.